Anglo Norman literature refers to the body of writings produced in England when the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invaded and established their rule over England in 1066. It spans roughly from the late 11th century to the early 14th century and encompasses various literary genres, including romance, epic poetry, religious texts, and historical chronicles. Anglo-Norman literature emerged as a fusion of French and English literary traditions, blending elements of both cultures. It is
Characteristics of Anglo-Norman Literature
1. Background
The Norman Conquest marked a significant cultural and linguistic shift in England. The Normans, who were of Viking origin but had adopted the French language and culture, brought with them a new ruling class and a courtly culture heavily influenced by France. The Anglo-Norman literature that followed reflected this cultural amalgamation, with French language and literary forms influencing the English literary landscape.
2. Romance
Romance literature became particularly popular during the Anglo-Norman period. Romances were tales of chivalry, love, and adventure, often involving knights, damsels in distress, and heroic quests. Notable examples include “Tristan and Iseult,” “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and “The Romance of the Rose.” These works drew on the French poetic tradition and introduced courtly love themes and motifs.
3. Epic Poetry
Anglo-Norman literature also produced epic poems, such as “The Song of Roland,” which recounts the heroic deeds of Charlemagne’s knights. While these epics originated from French sources, they were adapted and translated into Anglo-Norman, adding to the literary repertoire of the period.
4. Religious Texts
Religious texts played a significant role in Anglo-Norman literature, reflecting the Christian beliefs of the period. Many religious works were translations or adaptations of Latin originals. Notable examples include “The Bestiary,” which explored moral and religious teachings through descriptions of animals, and “The Ancrene Wisse” (Guide for Anchoresses), a guidebook for religious women.
5. Historical Chronicles
Anglo-Norman literature produced several historical chronicles that recorded the events and rulers of the time. One of the most famous examples is “The Anglo-Norman Chronicle,” a continuation of the earlier Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, written in Latin and Anglo-Norman. These chronicles provided valuable historical accounts and narratives of the Anglo-Norman period.
6. Prose Literature
It began to emerge during the later stages of the Anglo-Norman period. Prose romances, such as the “Lancelot-Grail Cycle,” gained popularity and expanded on the themes and characters of the earlier verse romances. These works also included law codes, religious treatises, and scientific and philosophical texts.
7. Influence and Legacy
Anglo-Norman literature had a profound impact on the development of English literature. It served as a bridge between the French and English literary traditions, introducing new forms, themes, and styles. The influence of literature can be seen in later works, such as Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales,” which incorporates both Anglo-Norman and Middle-English elements.
8. Language and Style
Anglo-Norman literature was predominantly written in a variety of Old French. The language was characterized by its poetic and courtly style, influenced by the French troubadour tradition. It incorporated literary techniques such as courtly love conventions, symbolism, and elaborate imagery.
Symbolism in Anglo-Norman Literature
Symbolism plays a significant role in Anglo-Norman literature, adding depth and layers of meaning to the texts. Symbolic elements convey abstract ideas, moral lessons, and cultural values. Here are some examples of symbolism in Anglo-Norman literature:
1. Animals and Creatures
Animals and creatures are frequently used as symbols in the literature of this age. For instance, the lion is for kingship and nobility, representing power and authority. The dove is a symbol of purity and peace, often relates to the Holy Spirit. Similarly, the serpent or dragon often symbolizes evil or temptation, representing the forces of chaos.
2. Colors
Colors symbolically convey emotions, characteristics, and themes. For example, white is for purity and innocence, while black represents darkness and evil. Red symbolizes passion and love, and green can symbolize fertility, growth, or nature.
3. Religious Symbols
Due to the strong influence of Christianity during the Anglo-Norman period, religious symbols are prevalent. The cross symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit and purity. The halo represents divine grace and sanctity.
Fabliaux in Anglo-Norman Literature
Fabliau is a specific genre of narrative verse found in Anglo-Norman literature. It emerged during the 12th and 13th centuries and is characterized by its humorous and often bawdy content. Fabliaux are typically short, comic tales that focus on the foibles and misadventures of ordinary people, particularly members of the lower classes. They often feature clever tricks, deception, and sexual innuendo.
Characteristics of fabliaux
Here are some key characteristics of fabliaux in Anglo-Norman literature:
- Humor and Satire: Fabliaux are primarily intended to entertain and amuse readers. They employ satire and irony to highlight the vices, weaknesses, and absurdities of individuals or society. The humor is often earthy, relying on bawdy jokes, sexual situations, and crude language.
- Trickery and Deception: Fabliaux frequently involve clever tricks and schemes employed by characters to achieve their goals. Characters use cunning strategies to outwit others, often leading to humorous and unexpected outcomes. Trickery and deceit are central elements in the narrative structure of fabliaux.
- Social Commentary: While fabliaux are light-hearted and comedic, they often contain underlying social commentary. They reflect the social realities and inequalities of the time, portraying the struggles and desires of ordinary people in a hierarchical society. Fabliaux may mock the clergy, aristocracy, or social conventions, providing a critique of the existing power structures.
- Stock Characters: Fabliaux often feature stock characters with distinct roles and traits. These characters include cunning peasants, foolish husbands, conniving wives, foolish priests, and lecherous clerics. The interactions and conflicts between these characters drive the plot and generate humor.
- Erotic and Sexual Elements: Fabliaux frequently include sexual innuendo, sexual encounters, and risqué situations. They explore themes of adultery, infidelity, and sexual desire in a humorous and light-hearted manner. The sexual content serves to entertain and provoke laughter, often relying on double entendre and comedic situations.
- Linguistic Style: Fabliaux in Anglo-Norman literature are famous for a lively and energetic language. They employ a mixture of colloquial and literary language, incorporating slang, puns, and wordplay to enhance the comedic effect. The use of vivid and descriptive language contributes to the humor and entertainment value of the tales
Notable examples of fabliaux
Notable examples of fabliaux in Anglo-Norman literature include “Le Chevalier Qui Fist Les Cons Parler” (The Knight Who Made Cunts Talk) and “Les Trois Bossus” (The Three Hunchbacks).
Fabliaux played a significant role in the development of medieval European literature. They provided a form of entertainment that satirized societal norms and provided a release from the constraints of everyday life. While often considered lighthearted and comedic, fabliaux offered social commentary and reflections on human nature, making them an important part of the literary landscape of the time.